AUSTIN — On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burroughs revealed the formation of a new investigative committee. This group will look into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a young girl at Camp Mystic.
“In July, Texans were heartbroken when severe flooding along the Guadalupe River led to the deaths of 27 young girls from Camp Mystic, among others,” Patrick expressed in a press statement. “I was taken aback to see that Camp Mystic was already accepting applications for next year’s campers while so many questions remain about that tragic day.”
The creation of these committees was part of the second special session held in September. According to Patrick, the five-member Senate committee will examine the actions taken at Camp Mystic to “figure out exactly what transpired.”
“Camp Mystic hasn’t officially commented on that morning’s events,” Patrick noted in the statement. “They will be asked to provide testimony, along with others connected to this flooding incident.”
In response, Camp Mystic issued a statement indicating its intent to cooperate with the investigative committee.
“We are eager to collaborate with the Senate and House Comprehensive Investigation Committees concerning the July 2025 flooding to better inform both them and the public about what occurred. We value Lt. Gov. Patrick and Speaker Burrows’ ongoing leadership in ensuring such a heartbreaking incident never happens again,” the camp stated.
Burrows remarked on the extent of the July floods, which resulted in over 130 fatalities in Central Texas, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough review to improve future emergency preparedness.
“The House Investigations Committee will partner with the Senate to unravel the factors that contributed to the disaster at Camp Mystic and propose enhancements for the state’s readiness and response to flooding and other natural calamities,” Burrows said.
Last month, Governor Greg Abbott signed several bills during the second special session aimed at improving camping safety and warning systems. These new laws alter the criteria for youth camps obtaining licenses, update regulations on cabin locations, and mandate the submission of emergency response plans.
Members of the investigative committee, comprising ten state legislators (five senators and five representatives), are as follows:
- Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park (Chairman)
- Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso (Vice Speaker)
- Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo
- Rep. Paul Dyson, R-Bryan
- Rep. Erin Gamez, D-Brownsville
- Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton (Chairman)
- Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock (Vice Chairman)
- Sen. Brian Hughes, R-Tyler
- Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham
- Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio
